Former Vice President Mike Pence has openly criticized President Trump, claiming he has been too lenient toward Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. In a recent appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, Pence urged Trump to adopt a more aggressive stance, insisting that it’s time to bring down the “hammer” on Russia.
“I know his style in dealing with these dictators. It’s the velvet glove,” Pence remarked, contrasting Trump’s typically calm demeanor with the need for a stronger response. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I think the hammer needs to come, and it needs to come immediately.” This statement comes as Trump plans a summit with European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss peace efforts.
On the previous Friday, Trump had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly reaching an agreement to work toward peace—contingent upon cooperation from Ukraine and NATO. Following this, Trump pledged to welcome Zelensky at the White House, along with several European allies. Pence’s comments reflect a growing concern among some that the current approach may not be sufficient to deter Russian aggression.
Pence suggested that Trump should take decisive action by contacting Majority Leader John Thune to push for the immediate passage of a secondary sanctions bill against Russia, which he believes has wide support in the Senate. “Putin only understands strength,” Pence insisted, arguing that strong measures are necessary to convey seriousness to the Russian leader. He warned, “Putin’s not going to stop until he’s stopped.”
However, not everyone agrees with Pence’s perspective. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the Trump administration’s view that pushing secondary sanctions might alienate any chance for a negotiated peace settlement. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of foreign relations and the varying opinions on how best to handle the situation in Ukraine.
Pence’s remarks underscore a critical moment in the unfolding geopolitical landscape, where discussions of strength, diplomacy, and the future safety of Ukraine weigh heavily on the decisions made by its supporting allies.
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